The result leaves South Africa needing to win their three remaining matches against Bangladesh, Canada and Sri Lanka, and for other results to go their way, if they are to progress to the second round.

"It was disappointing," Gibbs added. "It's never nice for your fate to lie with other teams but I still believe we have a chance.

"I'm sure the guys are feeling down and under pressure because we started the World Cup with good ideas and intentions.

"But cricket is a brilliant game because you can never be sure of the outcome no matter how hard you plan."

Shaun Pollock is quite new and he's still got a lot to learn

Herschelle Gibbs

Gibbs admitted the side missed former captain Hansie Cronje, who died tragically in a plane crash last May, two years after being handed a life ban for his involvement in match-fixing.

"Hansie's leadership skills made him an icon," he said.

"He had such passion that you always knew he believed the team could win
from any situation.

"Shaun Pollock is quite new and he's still got a lot to learn but he was the first guy to put his hand up after the whole thing blew up."